APPENDIX D ANBLS D ANBLS Report 09.doc
Annual Report to the Canadian Council of Land Surveyors
from the
Association of New Brunswick Land Surveyors
2009 CCLS AGM
Demographics
Membership numbers have continued along recent trends over the past few years. In the
last three years, we have experienced 8 fewer full members (80 for 2009), 2 less life
members, 4 less Affiliate members, 7 retirements, and 4 fewer companies. On a positive
note, we have seen a growth of Surveyors-in-Training from 5 to 10 members over this
same time period.
Environmental Trust Fund
The ANBLS has been awarded $22,000 under the Province’s Environment Sustainable
Development program, specifically in the realm of sustainable watercourse and wetlands
delineation. The Province awarded a total of $4 million to 167 initiatives dealing with
studying and preserving our natural environment. The Association of New Brunswick
Land Surveyors will develop a training session and reference handbook to assist land
surveyors in ensuring proper environmental practices in watercourses and wetlands.
The ANBLS was also invited to participate in a wetlands seminar. The majority of
attendants were environmental biologists. The focus of the session was on stewardship,
changing the thinking on wetlands and promoting wetlands. The session did not address
any of our association’s issues, but it did provide communication and networking
opportunities with other related organizations. The meeting did recognize the ANBLS as
a professional organization to consult.
Limitation of Actions Act
After more than a decade of lobbying, the provincial government finally brought Bill 28,
“Amendments to the Limitations of Actions Act”, specifically subsection 5(1), to the
legislature, which provides for:
- a two -year “basic” period, running from the time when the claim is discovered
and
- a fifteen-year “ultimate” limitation period, running from the date of the
wrongful act.
First reading was given on December 16 and it has been sent to the Law and
Amendments committee for review. APEGNB made a presentation to this committee
during the February 24-25 public hearings. They proposed an alternative to the existing
wording of section 4(2) as follows:
4(2) If there is a conflict between a limitation period established by this Act and
one established by a private Act, the limitation period in this Act prevails.
ANBLS Report 2009 Page 1 of 2
APPENDIX D ANBLS D ANBLS Report 09.doc
The argument behind this proposal is that it would save the Legislature considerable
processing time since each self-governing organization subject to private legislation
would have to apply for amendments on an individual basis.
The Practice of Land Surveying – Retired Members as Expert Witness
At a recent Council meeting, it was noted that retired members are not practising
surveyors, and as such cannot be called upon as a consultant or as an expert witness.
However, a retired member is still permitted to use the designation, “NBLS” behind his
name.
Labour Mobility
The Presidents’ Forum held during the ANBLS AGM in January dealt exclusively with
this initiative. There was also considerable discussion during the business meeting of the
AGM as well as during several provincial zone meetings held subsequent to the AGM.
The ANBLS met with representatives of the New Brunswick Department of Post-
Secondary Education and Labour to provide information on the policies and processes of
our profession relating to the Agreement on Internal Trade and Inter-Association
Mobility Agreements. The ANBLS advocated that an exemption to Labour Mobility is in
the public interest for the purposes of consumer protection.
The ANBLS proposes that qualified applicants from other Canadian jurisdictions
demonstrate local knowledge and jurisprudence by successfully completing a 3-4 hour
exam which can be available to the candidate within two weeks of a properly completed
application. Preparation for the exam would include self study of materials and
information provided by the Association of New Brunswick Land Surveyors including
statutes, regulations and case law. Preparation time is dependent on the individual but is
estimated at 3-4 weeks.
Future of the profession
The national vision for the future of the profession is gaining dialogue time during
Council meetings, especially with respect to the proposed governance and management
structures. The recent discussion paper and questionnaire circulated to associations has
generated the need for significant clarification on several issues: the identification of
specific and tangible benefits to the profession and its members, revenue generation
scenarios, and proposed membership alternatives.
A recent interview with the ANBLS Administrative Committee resulted in certain
positions, opinions, and feedback to be offered to the 2009 CCLS National Forum. It is
important to note that these are not necessarily the opinions reflected by Council as they
have not been able to meet to formally provide their input to the CCLS discussion
document. Outcome from the National Forum will be presented to the ANBLS Council
immediately following the CCLS AGM.
Norm Coté
CCLS Director for ANBLS
ANBLS Report 2009 Page 2 of 2